A few years ago my wife, Beverly and I purchased a home in the North Hill neighborhood that was in desperate need of a remodel, love and attention. It overlooks downtown Des Moines, WA. Des Moines is an incredible place to live with a fantastic back drop of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier.

As we began our remodel, something wonderful happened to us: we fell in love with our home, this city and our neighborhood. We felt like we found home.

A funny thing about doing a remodel is that you find that your neighbors are very interested in your progress. They’d randomly stop by while walking their dog or just to see what’s going on. We talked about the gorgeous view, the city, downtown, Redondo, the Marina and our visions and concerns about our community. It was our pleasure to get to know so many wonderful people.

That’s when I became compelled to be involved with this gem by the Sound, to contribute in any way possible, and make a positive change for our new friends and neighbors. It’s important to me to be a part of the solution and align with others to realize the vision of this beautiful place we call home.

Then, a little less than a year ago, I volunteered and was chosen to serve on a new Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) representing the North Hill neighborhood. The CAC is an advisory group, created by the Des Moines City Council, to help facilitate communications with Des Moines’ residents from the City’s nine neighborhoods. This has given me an opportunity to be involved and share my neighbor’s concerns with the City Council.

I found the CAC and the City Council meetings to be fascinating. I discovered our City Council to be a group of individuals who are deeply committed to the citizens of Des Moines. They instilled a sense of pride and confidence in me for what they are doing for our city. I was encouraged to see a government pass a sustainable budget. I can attest they are a sharp team of individuals who demonstrate a positive synergy on how to move the city into the future. Commonly, we share the same vision for the future of Des Moines.

So it was an honor for me when City Councilman Dave Kaplan approached me about running in his stead for City Council Position 7. In getting to know Dave, I learned that he is a man of integrity, solid leadership, and has dedicated 20 years to improving our city. But equally humbling is the realization that his will be huge shoes to fill. In light of this realization, I am committed to putting forth the hard work and dedication it takes to be successful in this position.

I believe that my previous experiences as a US Army veteran, Fire Commissioner for Pierce County Fire District #26, manager of multi-million dollar businesses at an international department store, and volunteer service to my church qualifies me for this position. Add to that my current experience on the Citizens Advisory Committee and as a Trustee to our North Hill Community Club.

To those who know me, you know my ability to make a positive difference. That I am dependable, dedicated and work smart and hard toward goals. To my neighbors in Des Moines, I have not only listened to you, but heard you and have boldly shared your concerns with our city leaders. I am well acquainted with budgeting, business execution, and other fiscally responsible habits. But I pride myself in having common sense and the ability to find middle ground quickly and effectively. I bring high energy and an attitude to the table.

In closing, I evaluated this decision, my wife and I discussed at length. We assessed the time commitment and the other not so pleasant parts of a thankless task like this are. And in the end we concluded that we love Des Moines, our residents and no matter what the adversity may be, it is worth it to be part of the solution!